Tell me about the 1973 8 8-speed

[psjoe 1]

Tell me about the 1973 8 8-speed. Is it a one year only GT that was replaced by the B-80?

Thanks -Joe

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[TT-(Moderator) 1,128]

It was actually the "follow-up" tractor to the 1972 Raider 8 model and shared most of it's parts with the other 1973 8 speed tractors.

As far as the B-80........ It is a long frame model, most comparable to the B-80 8 speeds built in 1976 & 77.

If you want to get picky, every Wheel Horse ever built was a one-year model, even though the change might be as subtle as the stamped or printed number on a tag.

I always laugh when I see a classified ad stating "built for only one year" - especially when it's something like a 633 or 1267. :thumbs:

[psjoe 1]

Thanks.

Fom the sellers pics the rear tires look small. Does anyone know if it would have a 4 or 8 pinion rear?

-Joe

[MikesRJ 552]

The tranny on the '73 8-8 was a 5086 model, which was an 8-speed, 4 pinion, 1" axle version. Manuals might help you out:

Owners: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...tors/A-5324.pdf

Parts: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...tors/A-5343.pdf

Transmission: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...1958_-_1982.pdf

Engine Service: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/..._tp_2379_SM.pdf

[TT-(Moderator) 1,128]

Just to save you some time........

The 8 8 speed was originally equipped with the 5086 8 speed which has a 4 pinion / one inch axle differential. Don't let that scare you off since the WorkHorse GT models, a lot of the 308/310/312 models, and even the SK486 with a 16hp Kohler used that tranz. Like all the others, proper care & use determines the lifespan more than the pinion count / axle size, and they are still a VERY tough tranz even though they aren't the 8 pinion / 1 1/8" axle version.

The rear tires should be 22-7.50 X 8, which were also used on the B-60/80 models, a lot of the 308/310/312 models, etc. You can easily swap them to the 23-8.50/9.50/10.50 sizes, providing you use the proper rims.

Look familiar?: